Our exhibit is about segregation on transportation in New York City, how it affected the lives of the black community and how people were eventually allowed to integrate. We decided to choose this topic because Elizabeth Jennings was not the only person to ever be kicked off of a train in NYC. Segregation affected every single Black American in not only NYC, but the entire country. This topic connects to our Hidden Voices’ Individual because Elizabeth Jennings was kicked off of a streetcar as a result of segregation. This topic is important to us as a diverse group of students living in NYC because if we lived during Elizabeth’s time, we would not have the rights we do today.

Our class chose Elizabeth Jennings as the “face” of our hidden voice project because although she is not well known, she was the first to act. Our class has been learning about inequalities and we have made connections between Elizabeth Jennings and other historical women who stood up to injustice by taking a seat. We were inspired by Elizabeth Jennings activism from such a long time ago, we gathered research, created a timeline of events and made zines describing this story’s four main character’s heroic spirit. This project is a celebration of that spirit. Let’s continue to fight for equality for all.

Our exhibit examines activism on public transportation. Elizabeth Jennings Graham inspired our ancestors to protest the unfairness of the trolley system of her time. Her hidden voice is no longer hidden. Rosa Parks, and many others heard her. We heard her. And today---- you, our peers, will hear her---- and you will hear the echoes of our ancestors.

Next Stop: Desegregation is an exhibit about how people were separated from using transportation because of their race and the color of their skin. It is important because people need to know who helped stop segregation on public transportation in NYC and other states. We have to remember those heroes who took the courage to speak up on behalf of their brothers and sisters and fought for justice and equal rights in the society! Our creative curator crew decided to incorporate multiple forms of medium such as art, poetry, play, and music to deliver this critical message.

You’ve heard of Rosa Parks and MLK

But have you ever heard of Eliza J?

We called her “Eliza Who” when we started this task

But now we know the answer if someone should ask

We’ll teach you about New York before the Civil War

And how against black people

There was a big uproar

We thank Eliza Jennings for doing her part

And now our exhibit we are ready to start!

Our exhibit is about transportation desegregation. We were inspired by our chosen Hidden Voices individual, Elizabeth Jennings Graham. This story is important to tell because it spreads awareness of the racism that people faced. It is important to tell Eliza’s story because she helped desegregate streetcars. Our choice to focus on Elizabeth Jennings Graham was influenced by the fact that our class has spent a lot of time learning about Civil Rights of many different groups of people particularly African Americans.

Hidden Voices has introduced us to individuals who shaped our perspective on the rights of equality, freedom and discrimination. One of those individuals is Elizabeth Jennings. Her story inspired us to look at other inspirational men and women, who were also treated unfairly throughout the 1800’s. Students of class 7-227 created a quilt to showcase the accomplishments of Elizabeth Jennings and other African American figures who used the court system to fight for their civil rights.